Andrew Levitas’ inspirational and timely drama Minamata starring Johnny Depp has been deemed Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes amidst its Oscar's Fan Favorite campaign. The film is currently a top contender for the Academy's new voting program, where it can be voted for at https://oscarsfanfavorite.com/vote or by tweeting the film title with the hashtags #OscarsFanFavorite and #Sweepstakes. Following a theatrical release in February, Samuel Goldwyn Films will release Minamata on VOD and Digital on April 8th.
From Hanway Films, Minamata was written by David K. Kessler, Stephen Deuters, Andrew Levitas and Jason Forman. The film received its World Premiere as a Berlinale Special Gala as part of the Berlin International Film Festival 2020. The movie has opened internationally and has been warmly received, most notably in Japan where the film has been lauded by audiences and critics alike and has already garnered awards nominations.
Andrea Iervolino said, “Anchored by standout performances and stunning direction and craft artistry, Minamata is the kind of purposeful storytelling that sinks in with audiences and a movie they will appreciate seeing. We’re thrilled to be able to orchestrate a release campaign alongside Samuel Goldwyn that will invite audiences into this story.”
Inspired by a true story, Minamata stars Johnny Depp playing celebrated photojournalist Eugene Smith. The film takes place in 1971 when we find Smith as a recluse and disconnected from the world he once shot. After receiving one final assignment from Life Magazine editor Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy), Eugene must travel to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning. Ushered by an impassioned Japanese translator, Aileen (Minami) and encouraged by local villagers (Hiroyuki Sanada), Eugene’s powerful images expose decades of gross negligence by the country’s Chisso Corporation.
Minamata also stars Jun Kunimura, Ryo Kase, Asano Tadanobu and Akiko Iwase. The film is produced by Levitas for Metalwork Pictures and Depp for Infinitum Nihil, as well as producers Sam Sarkar, Bill Johnson, and Kevan Van Thompson.